Guitarist notebook: secundal (seconds) harmony

 

Notes:

1. On the guitar, there are 16 three-note (cluster), closed-position, combinations with one open string. (see matrix above)

2. In a secundal context, two-note combinations w/unisons in one voice give the impression of a three-note combination.

3. Try different combinations, per matrix above, emphasizing one or two chords as goals or cadence.

4. Apply as units in traditional (jazz or other) voice-leading.

5. Good voice leading contextualizes and clarifies increasing dissonance.

6. In clusters, think of outside voices as what is heard melodically. The inside voices yield weight, color, and vibration (through beats).

7. Imply consonant, standard progressions.

8. Think about chord movement in seconds. The main cadences are ii-i and vii-i in major and minor.

9. Three note groupings are clusters

10. min/min (symbol on right of matrix) is read from the bottom up and indicates two stacked minor second intervals. The four possible combinations are min/min, min/maj, maj/min, and maj/maj.